Jazz Arts Group and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra

The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America’s oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG divides its resources among two areas: performance and education. JAG serves as an "umbrella" organization to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), performance activities at the Lincoln Theatre and beyond, the Jazz Academy, and the JAG Affiliate Musicians program.
The CJO is led by trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling and presents more than twenty concerts each season at the historic Southern Theatre in its "Swingin’ with the CJO" performance series. More than 2,000 subscribers for this series makes the CJO audience the largest jazz orchestra subscription base in the United States. The CJO performs an outdoor summer concert series, JazZoo!, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The Jazz Arts Group believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities. JAG achieves this with our two Jazz Academy programs: Jazz in the Community and Jazz in Schools. In June, 2009 JAG opened the Jazz Academy’s community instructional space. With nearly 5,000 square feet, this is a premier facility for multi-generational and recreational music making, ensemble playing, after-school programs, and lectures with world-class musicians - a place where everyone can listen, learn and play. JAG makes a significant impact on thousands of people each year through in-school performances and residencies, professional development for educators, internships for young people and masterclasses with world-renowned musicians. These Jazz Academy initiatives are just a few of the ways the Jazz Arts Group is making a difference through music.

Upcoming Events

Singin' Solo & Fronting the Band Vocal Lab3-4-2015 thru 4-8-2015

Have you ever dreamed of being the lead singer fronting a band? Well, now is your chance! Join Rachel Sepulveda and Tony Bonardi as they explore the key components of singing with a combo, from stylizing to repertoire, from singing technique to leading the band and performing with confidence. You wi

In November of 1970, James Taylor and Carole King performed together at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. Taylor had just released his debut album for the Beatles' newly formed Apple Records and King was finding her way as a first time solo performer even though by then she was a famous

Join us for a new workshop series titled Offstage at the Jazz Academy hosted by Byron Stripling. Join Byron for a casual and engaging conversation with the wonderful guest artists of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Offstage at the Jazz Academy provides participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the

Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1915, pianist/composer Billy Strayhorn would have been 100 years old in 2015. Described by great Duke Ellington as my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brainwaves in his head, and his in mine, Strayhorn provided an artistic influence to Duke Elli

For students with a minimum of 2 years of experience on their instrument - Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drum Set. Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Workshop is an excellent opportunity for instrumentalists of all skill levels to hone their skills in the jazz language - improvisatio

CAMP Blues led by Sean Carney Band6-15-2015 thru 6-19-2015

Join Sean Carney and the Sean Carney Band for CAMP Blues, a 5-day ensemble experience focusing on learning about and playing the blues. The course will focus on guitar, piano, bass, drums, vocals and horns, exploring those instruments' respective roles in blues music and developing participants' ins

The Jazz Cats Half-Day camp is designed to be a fun and interactive immersion into the art of jazz and improvisation. During the week", we will discover the magic of improvisation in the style of jazz greats Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and more. By the end of the week, all stud